Time and time again, we confidently throw our weight behind the Uni-ball Signo UM-151. The impressive range of tip sizes, colors, and body styles makes it an excellent choice for anyone, from color-coding students to professional writers. The pigment-based ink is waterproof, archival, and fade-resistant so any notes will stand the test of time. You can learn more about the Signo by reading our comprehensive guide.

Gel pens are a surprisingly recent invention. During the 1980s, Sakura was experimenting with certain kinds of gel that are solid at rest but become free-flowing when disturbed. This property is known as thixotropic action and must be balanced with viscosity to produce an ink that writes well. After rigorous testing, the gel ink formula was born. The first gel pen to hit the market was the Gelly Roll, and it remains a popular gel pen today.

Like ballpoint and rollerball pens, a gel pen has a small, revolving ball in the tip. As you write, the surface of the ball is coated with ink from the reservoir and dispenses that ink onto the page.

Iconic Color TwinPens are double-sided with different gel pen colors on each end. They allow you to color-code notes with ease. Instead of reaching for another pen, just flip the TwinPen over! Each set includes three 0.4 mm gel pens for a total of six colors.

The Signo 207 Premier combines the performance of our top gel pen with a girthy and luxuriously squishy grip. The same ergonomic pen won’t work for everyone, but the Premier doesn’t rely solely on its grip: it is lightweight and carefully balanced with a low center of gravity. The ink practically glides onto the page, preventing you from pressing too hard on the tip. All of these features ensure that holding the pen won’t tire your hand.

For those who prefer a firmer grip, the Pilot Dr. Grip is an excellent option. It comes with the popular Pilot G2 refill, renowned for its rich color and smooth flow.

The Pilot Hi-Tec-C is the indisputable champion of fine-tip gel pens. Where most companies rarely venture below 0.5 mm, the Hi-Tec-C comes with tips as miniscule as 0.25 mm! The refill is such a cult hit that companies like CW&T have built entire pen bodies around it. Despite its fineness, the pen writes smoothly and even comes in a variety of fun colors. You can learn more about this gel pen in our comprehensive guide.

While the Hi-Tec-C is beloved for its precision tip, it tends to skip more than other gel pens. Hi-Tec-C fans are more accepting of this quirk, but other gel pen users might find it frustrating. The smallest tip size of the Pilot Juice Up is a slightly wider 0.3 mm, but it has a more consistent flow.

By far the best erasable gel pen, the Pilot FriXion combines vibrancy, smooth ink flow, and clean erasability. Unlike other erasable pens, the FriXion uses a thermo-sensitive gel ink. Rubbing the hard eraser on the end of the pen over writing produces heat from friction, which turns the ink invisible. This also makes it easy to write over areas that have been “erased.” Learn more about the FriXion gel pens plus markers, fineliners, and more in our guide.

Note that, because FriXion ink reacts to heat, it can disappear when left in hot cars and other warm environments. We do not recommend using a FriXion pen to write important information that you want to store for long periods of time. You may be able to get writing to reappear by placing the writing surface in a freezer with a temperature below 14°F (-10°C).

If you simply cannot wait for ink to dry, the Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pen was made for you. It features Zebra’s DRYJELL technology, which dries 85% faster than conventional inks! Just like the Zebra Push Clip pens, the Sarasa Dry features a sturdy binder clip that clamps firmly onto pockets and notebook covers.

Though the Sarasa Dry’s ink becomes smudge-free almost instantly, it has very little water resistance. Those who prefer a water resistant option should consider the Ohto Rays Flash Dry Gel Pen. This professional gel pen combines colored plastic and brushed steel for a classic design with a modern twist.

The Pentel EnerGel Permanent upgrades the standard EnerGel in an impressive way. The ink is waterproof and fade resistant without sacrificing the smooth flow and quick dry times that the EnerGel is known for. When signing checks, contracts, and other documents that demand longevity, the EnerGel is sure to make a mark that lasts.

While you can use just about any pen to journal, we’re partial to the Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Pen. The vibrant pigment ink is both water and fade resistant, ensuring your journal entries will stand up to spilled glasses of water and coffee rings. You can fill your journal with neon pops of color, pastel hues, and even beautiful marble effects! Tip sizes ranging from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm let you write as finely or as boldly as you like. Check out our comprehensive guide on the Zebra Sarasa to learn more.

Left-handed writers know too well the frustration of smearing perfectly written notes. The Pentel EnerGel uses a quick-drying ink that greatly reduces smudging without sacrificing smoothness. The EnerGel comes in a variety of body styles—both capped and retractable—but we’re especially fond of the classy Philography and its twist mechanism. Learn more about the Pentel EnerGel in our comprehensive guide.

Students who have suffered the pain of highlighter-smudged notes will wonder how they ever lived without the Zebra Sarasa Mark On. This pen uses ink that is specially formulated with a high level of water resistance, which gives it that extra edge to stand up to highlighting. It barely budges under the notoriously smear-prone Zebra Mildliner. Plus, the Mark On uses the same body as the Sarasa Push Clip, with a strong binder clip that can attach to thick surfaces like binder covers.

The Paper Mate InkJoy is a smooth gel pen with fast-drying, smear-free ink. We especially love the pen’s transparent ink window, so you can see exactly how much ink has been used. It’s available in many vibrant colors, so teachers don’t have to stick with standard red shades for grading. Consider using colors like Berry so your written notes are clearly visible without the negative connotations of red ink.

The BIGiDESIGN Ti Arto is such a fantastic everyday carry pen, it even has EDC in its name. Its adjustable body is made of titanium and is compatible with dozens of different refills so you can pair your favorite gel ink with a durable metal body. The Ti Arto can be refilled with fan favorites like the smooth Kaweco Sport Gel Roller, quick-drying Ohto Flash Dry, or erasable Pilot FriXion. If the Ti Arto’s pocket-friendly design (or its sometimes overwhelming refill compatibility) isn’t for you, there are plenty of other EDC options available. Learn more about metal pens and machined pens in our guides.

The Sakura Craft Lab 005 is an understated pen with a subtle yet beautiful touch that sets it apart from other bare bones options. The profile of its streamlined barrel transforms into a cherry blossom towards the end, a nod to Sakura’s iconic logo. The pen comes in a variety of colors, including bright hues and professional shades. Clips are available separately.

The Parker Jotter has been pulled out of briefcases and clipped to suit pockets for over sixty years, and for good reason. This sophisticated pen fits perfectly in any professional setting thanks to its sleek, iconic look. The durable stainless steel body stands up to daily use and comes in a variety of understated colors, some with subtly etched patterns.

Without this pick, the pens on our list may not have ever existed—after all, the Gelly Roll was the world’s first gel ink pen. Sakura has continuously refined and improved the ink’s formula, and their mastery has created some of the best gel pens for arts and crafts. The ink also shows up well on dark and colored paper, and some can even write on non-porous surfaces! Learn more about all the different ink colors and effects in our comprehensive guide.

Consider using gel pens to make sure that your coloring book pages pop. The Zebra Sarasa R uses ink that has 27% more color density than standard pigment-based Sarasa ink. Black inks look darker and colored inks are even more saturated. The R comes in fourteen colors and has the same sturdy clip as other Sarasa pens. Alternatively, check out the Uni-ball One. It’s available in a 0.38 mm tip size (slightly finer than the Sarasa R’s 0.4 mm tip) that works well for tiny details.

The Pentel Hybrid Milky is a must-have pastel gel pen thanks to its opaque ink. Other pastel gel pens may need a few passes for marks to show up clearly, but the Hybrid Milky shows up on light and dark papers with a single stroke. This gel pen is excellent for arts and crafts, but its 0.8 mm tip and slow-drying ink makes it less suitable for note-taking. You can learn more about other pastel gel pen options in our comprehensive guide.

Metallic gel pens like the silver and gold Uni-ball Signo Broad UM-153 add shiny details to any project. The pen’s ink looks metallic from a distance, but with a closer look, you’ll see that the ink is actually packed with glitter particles. The Signo’s 1.0 mm tip ensures that the ink flows smoothly without skipping. For even more color options, try the Uni-ball Signo Noble Metal Metallic. You can learn more about metallic and glitter gel pens in our guide.

Finding the perfect white gel pen is harder than you think: not every gel pen can combine opaque ink with smooth flow. Thankfully, you won’t have to search forever: the Uni-ball Signo Broad is by far the best white gel pen we’ve ever tried. The bright white ink pops on dark papers and is exceptionally handy for adding highlights to art. You can even use it as correction fluid in a pinch! Just like its Signo siblings, the Broad gel pen uses waterproof and archival ink. Learn more about white ink pens in our guide.

If you’re still not sure what gel pen you should try, check out our gel pen samplers! We’ve created fun packs that let you test out some of our best-selling pens. Whether you’re looking for fine tips, ergonomic options, or just fun colors, you’re sure to find a gel pen sampler you’ll love.

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